With Sargeist's latest release Feeding The Crawling Shadows now upon us, Berns von Bernington asked the man behind the band and driving force in the Finnish black metal scene Shatraug a couple of questions.
(((o))): You’ve been part of the black metal underground in Finland for more than a decade, being involved in legendary acts like Horna, Behexen, Mortualia and even did the guitars for Drowning The Light. What’s the driving force behind your devotion to the dark arts?
Shatraug: It's just who I am really. I have an unending "need" to create, to express my inner self and paint with the blood of my soul. Nothing less than that.
(((o))): Sargeist started out as a solo project of yours and we’re on the 4th full-length now, Feeding The Crawling Shadows, and a few EPs and splits in between. What inspired you to take on such a project and would you say that it has evolved to more than just a solo project?
Shatraug: Sargeist now is as much as a band as Horna or Behexen, nothing to do with the solo project it began as. When I started it the idea was to have a suitable channel to express myself in ways I didn't see were fitting Horna at that time. Somewhere along the way Sargeist became a real band and we've been doing great ever since.
(((o))): In my personal opinion, I feel that Feeding The Crawling Shadows has transcended Sargeist and is definitely on another level with regards to its predecessor. Would you agree?
Shatraug: Some of it is taking back what we already were, some a reach into darkness through newfound paths and methods. There is some progress but nothing I'd call evolution really, the same roots shine through.
(((o))): Could you take us through the writing process of Sargeist material? Any strange rituals/methologies you guys believe in following in order to write such incredible material?
Shatraug: There's nothing special, the only thing needed is to be able to catch the ideas when inspiration blooms, nothing else. The main thing with Sargeist has always been to let time pass and the songs become to existence on their own. By rushing and forcing the process we could do alright, but that's simply not enough.
(((o))): Keeping it raw and keeping it true to the core when it comes to black metal is something that’s been hammered on, especially when it comes to more modern black metal. Do you find it difficult to stay within the realms of black metal from a creativity point of view? Or do you merely see them as guidelines to producing the type of music?
Shatraug: There are no guidelines for me really. Black metal is the musical vision of Satanist souls and that's how it should be when we're talking of real BLACK metal and not just another musical genre. To me these two are an entirely different thing, even if some bands often transmit the Lord's word without themselves standing behind it.
(((o))): How important is atmosphere and emotion when it comes to Sargeist and the new album? Is this something that is considered when writing material? Because the latest record sure invoked some emotions for me personally, whilst maintaining that morbid atmosphere.
Shatraug: With Sargeist that is everything when it comes to music.
(((o))): Some people consider you as a godfather figure to the Finnish black metal underground, any thoughts around this?
Shatraug: Hah. People can think whatever they want. I'm simply doing what I would do no matter if anyone cared. It's a passion and devotion; perhaps that's also why my life's work is being recognised.
(((o))): Satanism is a very personal thing, what’s the adaptation of Satanism as a philosophy for you personally and within Sargeist?
Shatraug: Said and talked about in far too many interviews really, but never touching more than it's surface. Satanism is the ever-lasting search for inner enlightenment and wisdom, honour and pride. In some ways it's like a life-code of priest-warriors.
(((o))): With regards to influences for Sargeist, would you say that other bands you’re involved with would serve as a contributing factor to the music of Sargeist?
Shatraug: In some ways they do, as a direct example to try avoiding sounding the same.
(((o))): What’s the overall message and mission of Sargeist as a band?
Shatraug: To awaken the dormant souls who still slumber in the shadows to embrace the ancient art.
